Add this plan on top of it, to customize for toddlers and for a 6 day length. Step 1 of this plan ties into step 3 of the base process (pick your park).

This will be self-explanatory after looking at both.

A word of wisdom on toddlers at Disney World

We recommend only doing a half-day in the park with toddlers. It’s important not to over-do it with a toddler in the park, or you will probably regret it the next day (or later the same day). It’s one of our best tips for taking toddlers to Disney World.

This is especially true if you are doing multiple park days back-to-back, as in this itinerary.

For this reason, we have provided optional afternoon itineraries for each of the days. We definitely don’t recommend doing afternoons all 6 days. If it was us, we wouldn’t do any afternoons in park.

If you do decide to stay for an afternoon, book a FastPass in the afternoon, and be prepared for meltdowns.

Hollywood Studios is off the monorail completely, but is also great for toddlers. Animal Kingdom is discussed below.

Use our Park Selector table for toddlers to chose your park.

Toddler Plan Park Selector Table

For this 6 day toddler plan, we will be going to:

Magic Kingdom on Day 1

Epcot on Day 2

Rest on Day 3

Animal Kingdom on Day 4

Hollywood Studios on Day 5

Magic Kingdom on Day 6

Note on picking your park:

It’s easy to swap days around in this itinerary. If you would rather start with Epcot and go to Magic Kingdom on day 2 (which may avoid some crowds), just swap day 1 and day 2. Don’t forget to swap the ADRs too.

Pro Tip:

Check park hours during your trip. Try to avoid afternoons in parks with evening extra magic hours. Try to go to parks the morning after they have evening extra magic hours. Crowds will be at their lowest.

Note on Magic Kingdom:

Most toddler-friendly activities happen to be in Fantasyland, which is where our AM schedule for both Magic Kingdom Days is focused. Our Day 1 afternoon option takes you to Liberty Square and Adventure Land (the West side of Magic Kingdom), while Day 6 takes you to Tomorrow Land (the East side of Magic Kingdom).

You can adjust your park days as needed after you get your ADRs, before you make your FastPasses. Picking your parks in advance helps you focus on which ADRs to make and when.

Step 2: Make your Advanced Dining Reservations (ADR)

Day 1 Magic Kingdom ADR

This will get you into the park before it opens. Even if your ADR is at 8:30 am, show up to the restaurant promptly at 8:00 am. Seating is in order of arrival.

You should be finishing breakfast just as the rope is dropping. When you leave the restaurant, lines will still be short, and you should be able to walk right on your first ride / attraction. Plus, you’ve already met a bunch of characters!

(Note: We used to recommend an early morning ADR at Crystal Palace, but as of the changes to rope drop in 2017, this no longer gets you in early.)

Day 2 Epcot ADR

On day 2, we don’t recommend using the early morning ADR trick. This is because World Showcase doesn’t open until 11 and only 2 restaurants offer ADRs: Akershus and Garden Grill.

Instead, make make a 12:45ADR at Akershus.

(An early morning Garden Grill ADR does get you in to Future World early, but it’s not our favorite restaurant. And, an early morning Akershus ADR can be used to be first in line for Frozen Ever After, but then you have to trek all the way back to Future World and back again when World Showcase opens.)

Day 3 Rest Day ADR

Make a late breakfast ADR at Chef Mickey’s in the Contemporary. Get some air conditioned character time on your day off.

Make a dinner ADR at 1900 Park Fare in the Grand Floridian. 1900 Park Fare is a character restaurant (Cinderella and crew for dinner, rotating cast usually including Winnie the Pooh, Mary Poppins and Alice in Wonderland for breakfast).

There is just so much to do outside of the theme parks, and toddlers are the ideal age for it. Our 18 month old has every bit as much fun riding the monorail to a character meal as she does in the Magic Kingdom

Visit some other resorts to check out the themes and amenities. Fun stops include Polynesian or Grand Floridian on the monorail. Or take a boat to Fort Wilderness (boats; off monorail). Boardwalk and Disney Springs are fun to roam, but both require a bus.

Day 4 Animal Kingdom ADR

On Day 4, head to Animal Kingdom. Make an 8 am early morning ADR at Tusker House. This is a character breakfast, and you will meet Daisy, Donald, Goofy, and Mickey.

Just like on Day 1, this will get you into the park before it opens. Make this reservation for as early is you can, but show up to the restaurant promptly at 8:00, even if your reservation is later. This is a hard to get ADR, so use our instructions to get it.

An early morning ADR at Animal Kingdom is important if you have older kids in your party that will want to go on popular rides. If you are only traveling with a toddler, it’s less important, because your 3 FastPasses will cover all of the toddler-friendly rides.

Day 5 Hollywood Studios ADR

On day 5, make an early morning 8:00 am ADR at Hollywood and Vine. This will get you into the park early, just like at Magic Kingdom. It’s also a must-do if your toddler watches any Disney Jr. You will meet Doc McStuffins, Jake the Pirate, Sophia the First, and Handy Manny.

For lunch, make a 12:30 ADR at 50’s Prime Time Café.

Day 6 Magic Kingdom ADR

On Day 6, head back to Magic Kingdom for a last hurrah.

Make an 8 am early morning ADR at Cinderella’s Royal Table (Cinderella and rotating princesses)

Just like on Day 1, this will get you into Magic Kingdom before it opens. Make this reservation for as early is you can, but show up to the restaurant promptly at 8:00, even if your reservation is later.

Cinderella’s Royal Table is a notoriously hard-to-get ADR, so use our instructions to get it. Making this ADR for day 6, we’ve increased your chances of getting it.

That’s because you can make the ADR 180 days from the day you check-in; or 186 days from the reservation. Those 6 extra days mean you’re more likely to get it.

Step 3: Make your FastPasses

After you make your ADRs, adjust your park days and make FastPasses accordingly.

For example if you were able to get an ADR at Be Our Guest (a Magic Kingdom restaurant) on day 3 instead of day 5, then go to Magic Kingdom on Day 3 instead of day 5. Makes sense, right?

We cover FastPasses here. This is how you will select your rides and attractions for the day.

Day 1 Magic Kingdom FastPasses

Make these FastPasses.

9:00-10:00 am FastPass – The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (ride)

Peter Pan’s Flight: this is our favorite ride for toddlers. Rather than use a FastPass, we are going to take advantage of being in the park early to get on this ride with minimal waiting.

Mad Tea Party can be squeezed in between FastPasses

Dumbo the Flying Elephant does not necessarily require a FastPass, because there is a toddler friendly play area in the waiting line. This can be a good way to cool down in the afternoon, and longer wait time just means more play time in the AC.

Prince Charming’s Royal Carousel can usually be squeezed in between FastPasses

If you don’t get exactly the FastPasses above, or can’t get them in that order, its not the end of the world. This order was only selected for an efficient path through the park. A little extra walking never hurt as long as you’ve got a good stroller.

Day 3 Rest day

Day 4 Animal Kingdom FastPasses

If you are going to Animal Kingdom instead of taking a rest day, make these FastPasses.

9:00 – 10:00 FastPass – Kilimanjaro Safaris

10:10-11:00 FastPass – TriceraTop Spin

11:15 – 12:15 FastPass – It’s Tough to be a Bug

Notes and alternates:

There is a lot to see at Animal Kingdom, but the rides are largely focused on older children.

Your toddler might enjoy Maharaja Jungle Trek (featuring animals) and Pangani Forest Exploration Trail, both walking experiences. These may not be interesting for long periods of time but can be worth a look if you have time.

Day 5 Hollywood Studios FastPasses

9:00 – 10:00 FastPass – Toy Story Midway Mania

10:10 – 11:10 FastPass – Disney Jr. Live on Stage

11:20 – 12:20 FastPass – For the First Time in Forever, A Frozen Sing Along Celebration (review here)

Notes and alternates:

You can interchange Disney Jr: Live on Stage and For the First Time in Forever, a Frozen Sing-Along Celebration, depending on FastPass availability.

Toy Story Midway Mania‘s lights and sounds will entertain most toddlers, but only older toddlers will be able to engage in the shooting game. It’s still a fun time for everyone.

Voyage of The Little Mermaid is a show that is well-suited to toddlers. You may be able to squeeze this in between FastPasses, especially in the earlier morning.

Muppet*Vision 3D is another show that entertains all ages, although your toddler may be too young to wear the 3D glasses. He or she will give it high marks anyways.

Day 6 Magic Kingdom FastPasses

Make these FastPasses.

9:00-10:00 am FastPass – Peter Pan’s Flight (ride)

10:10-11:10 am FastPass – Princess Fairytale Hall (character meet)

11:20-12:20 am FastPass – Under the Sea: The Journey of the Little Mermaid

Notes and alternates:

Mad Tea Party can be squeezed in between FastPasses

Dumbo the Flying Elephant does not necessarily require a FastPass, because there is a toddler friendly play area in the waiting line. This can be a good way to cool down in the afternoon, and longer wait time just means more play time in the AC.

Prince Charming’s Royal Carousel can usually be squeezed in between FastPasses

If you don’t get exactly the FastPasses above, or can’t get them in that order, its not the end of the world. This order was only selected for an efficient path through the park. A little extra walking never hurt as long as you’ve got a good stroller.

Step 4: Execute the schedule!

Day 1 Magic Kingdom

7:30 - arrive at the park and check in for your dining reservation with one of the employees holding tablets.
Main Street opens an hour before the rest of the park, and ropes keep guests out of individual lands, with the exception of those with early ADRs in FantasyLand at Cinderella's Royal Table and Be Our Guest.
7:40 - Get a photo in front of Cinderella's castle on the way to your restaurant.7:50 - Check in for your reservation at the restaurant.
8:00 - Eat breakfast at ADR reservation (or get in line for rope drop as close to FantasyLand as possible, if you were unable to secure an early AM ADR)
9:00 - Ride Peter Pan's Flight in Fantasyland. We skipped the FastPass for this ride on Day 1. Instead, take advantage of early ADR or rope drop to get on this very cool, very popular ride with little to no wait. If you don't get there in time, don't worry, it's in the Day 3 FastPass list.
9:00 - 10:00 First FastPass - The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
10:10 - 11:10 Second FastPass - Dumbo the Flying Elephant
11:20 - 12:20 Third FastPass - Enchanted Tales with Belle
Squeeze in between FastPasses: It's a Small World
Squeeze in between FastPasses: Prince Charming's Royal Carousel
Lunch - We recommend heading back to home base in the afternoon for a nap and to wind down, swim, and relax, when with toddlers.

Day 1 Magic Kingdom Afternoon Option

If you are intent on getting as much of Magic Kingdom in as you can… We recommend saving at least one of your FastPasses for an afternoon option.

Staying Cool at Magic Kingdom

You and your toddler will probably need to cool off during your day. We strategically included air-conditioned rides in this itinerary so that you can cool off in between walking treks. These include:

Kids will have fun in this splashpad and playground in Magic Kingdom called Casey Jr. Splash ‘N Soak.

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (ride only; line shaded)

Princess Fairy Tale Hall

Under the Sea: The Journey of the Little Mermaid (ride only, line shaded)

Dumbo the Flying Elephant (line and ride)

Enchanted Tales with Belle (line and ride)

Tiki Room (attraction only)

There is also a splash pad located in the Storybook Circus area of Fantasy Land called Casey Jr. Splash ‘n’ Soak. Kids have a blast running through the water and splash features. But be warned, they will end up soaked. Check out our tips on staying cool at Disney World here.

Play Areas at Magic Kingdom

We didn’t schedule playgrounds into this itinerary. Most visitors with only 1 day in the park will want as much time on rides and attractions as possible. Having said that, if you want to sit down and let your toddler run around in a play area, we recommend:

The line for Dumbo the Flying Elephant (air conditioned with seats for parents)

Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak in Fantasyland

The Laughin’ Place near the exit to Splash Mountain (shaded, outdoors)

Other Notes about Magic Kingdom

Park hours often change from 9 a.m. to 8 a.m. Call the day before to ensure you know what time the park is opening.

If you don’t have an early ADR, being at Magic Kingdom for Rope Drop is important in order to get a head start on the crowds.

Magic Kingdom generally lets guests through the turnstiles, but not all the way into the park, 15 minutes before park opening (usually 8:45 am). If early crowds are large enough, Disney may let people in early or open the park early.

On to day 2!

Day 2 Epcot

8:00 - Arrive at park to wait for rope drop
9:00 - 10:00 First FastPass - Spaceship Earth
Squeeze in between FastPasses: Space Base play area.
Enter through Mission: SPACE exit, and walk through the gift shop at the exit of the ride. 10:10 - 11:00 Second FastPass - The Seas with Nemo and Friends (Seas Pavilion)
Squeeze in Between FastPasses: Turtle Talk with Crush (Seas Pavilion)11:15 - 12:15 Third FastPass - Ride Frozen Ever After (Norway Pavilion) Squeeze in Between FastPasses: See Anna and Elsa in Norway if you have time12:45 - ADR for Akershus Royal Table

Staying Cool and Play Areas at Epcot

We recommend taking cooling break during warmer months. The Mexico Pavilion building is a cool, air-conditioned break from the sun. In addition, there is a great indoor, air-conditioned play area for toddlers at the exit of Mission: SPACE, called Space Base. Enter through the exit of Mission: SPACE, and walk through the gift shop.

Day 3 Rest Day / Pool Day

Day 4 Animal Kingdom

7:30 - arrive at the park and check in for your dining reservation with one of the employees holding tablets.
7:40 - Get a photo in front of Cinderella's castle on the way to your restaurant.7:50 - Check in for your ADR at Tusker House
8:00 - Eat Breakfast9:00 - 10:00 First FastPass - Kilimanjaro Safaris
Walk over to DinoLand10:10 - 11:10 Second FastPass - TriceraTop Spin Play at the Boneyard play area11:20 - 12:20 Third FastPass - It’s Tough to be a Bug12:30 Lunch - Rainforest Cafe (if you are leaving) or Flame Tree Barbecue (if you are staying)
We recommend heading back to home base in the afternoon for a nap and to wind down, swim, and relax, when with toddlers.

Day 5 Hollywood Studios

7:00 - Get on bus to Hollywood Studios. Buses do run in time for early ADRs even though the official line is that they start an hour before parks open.8:00 - Breakfast Advanced Dining Reservation at Hollywood & Vine9:00 - 10:00 First FastPass - Toy Story Midway Mania Pro Tip - if the standby line is short, ride standby first and then ride a second time using your FastPass, or cancel your FastPass and use it to get onto another ride later. You can do this on the Disney mobile app or at a FastPass kiosk.10:10 - 11:10 Second FastPass - Disney Jr: Live on Stage - You do not want to be the first in line as the stage is high and those who arrive first sit in the first row with an obstructed view. Squeeze in between FastPasses - The Great Movie Ride (watch ahead on YouTube to see if your child would find this frightening). My two-year old loved it and wasn’t scared. 11:20 - 12:20 Third FastPass - For the First Time in Forever, a Frozen Sing-Along Celebration12:30- Lunch ADR for 50’s Prime Time Cafe

We recommend heading back for a rest at this point. If you want to stay for the whole day, we recommend saving one FastPass for an afternoon attraction. We think Hollywood Studios is a great half-day park, and thus, perfect for toddlers.

Day 5 Hollywood Studios Afternoon option

1:45 - The Great Movie Ride (if you haven’t already been on it)2:30 - Jim Henson’s Muppet-Vision: 3D (show)3:15 - Voyage of the Little Mermaid (show) 4:00 - Meet Characters - use the remainder of your day to meet characters Lightning McQueen and Mater from Cars, Mike and Sully from Monsters, Inc., Phineas and Ferb, and the Incredibles are characters that are only found at Hollywood Studios.

Day 6 Magic Kingdom

7:30 - arrive at the park and check in for your dining reservation with one of the employees holding tablets.
7:40 - Get a photo in front of Cinderella's castle on the way to your restaurant.7:50 - Check in for your ADR at Be Our Guest8:00 - Eat breakfast (or get in line for rope drop as close to FantasyLand as possible, if you were unable to secure an early AM ADR)
9:00 - Ride 9:00 - 10:00 First FastPass - Peter Pan's Flight10:10 - 11:10 Second FastPass- Princess Fairytale Hall11:20 - 12:20 Third FastPass - Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid
Squeeze in between FastPasses: It's a Small World
Squeeze in between FastPasses: Prince Charming's Royal Carousel
12:30 Lunch - Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café
We recommend heading back to home base in the afternoon for a nap and to wind down, swim, and relax, when with toddlers.

Day 6 Magic Kingdom Afternoon Option

If you are intent on getting as much of Magic Kingdom in as you can… We recommend saving at least one of your FastPasses for an afternoon option.